Improving the safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy: the routine use of preoperative magnetic resonance cholangiography

A Single Centre Experience With Routine Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography in the Management of Patients With Gall Stone Disease

AIM

To evaluate the role of preoperative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in detection of common bile duct stone (CBDS) in cases of gall stone disease (GSD).

METHODS

This is a retrospective study with a prospectively maintained database, carried out in 116 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for GSD, from October 2017 to September 2020. Preoperative MRCP was performed in all cases.

RESULTS

MRCP detected CBDS in 23 out of 116 patients (19.8%) including silent CBDS in seven patients (6%). In situations of normal biochemical parameters and USG abdomen, 30.4% unnoticed CBDS out of all 23 CBDS, were discovered by MRCP. The sensitivity and specificity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) [positive predictive value (PPV): 24%; negative predictive value (NPV): 81.3%], alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (PPV: 63.2%; NPV: 88.7%), serum total bilirubin (PPV: 57.1%; NPV: 88.4%) and CBD diameter (PPV: 61.5%; NPV: 85.4%) were, respectively, 26.1% and 79.6%, 52.2% and 92.5%, 52.2% and 90.3%, and 34.8% and 94.6%. Cystic duct variations found in nine patients (7.75%). There was no bile duct injury (0%) noted in post operative patients.

CONCLUSION

With normal biochemical and USG parameters, MRCP is a valuable non-invasive investigation to detect the overlooked CBDS. After recognising the cystic duct variants, it may be possible to prevent bile duct injury. Before performing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in GSD, a routine preoperative MRCP is highly recommended.

Evaluation of the usefulness of cystic duct three-dimensional computed tomography with non-contrast for before laparoscopic cholecystectomy and endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage in comparison to magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether anatomical variations of the cystic duct and accessory bile duct can be grasped by cystic duct three-dimensional (3D)-computed tomography (CT) using non-contrast CT and to examine the possibility of omitting magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).

METHODS

Of patients who underwent non-contrast abdominal CT between May and October 2019, those who underwent MRCP within 1 month before and afterwards were targeted. Seven assessors visually evaluated the cystic duct 3D-CT images on a 5-point scale. Average scores of ≥3 and <3 points were assigned as the good and poor groups, respectively. Regions of interest (ROIs) were placed inside the cystic duct and four places around it, and the CT values in those ROIs were measured. The CT value difference was calculated by subtracting the surrounding CT values from the CT value in the cystic duct and converting the result to an absolute value. The CT value difference was classified into good and poor groups, and statistical analysis was performed. Seven assessors evaluated anatomical variations of the cystic duct and the presence of the accessory bile duct. The results were compared with the MRCP interpretation results to calculate sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value.

RESULTS

The average visual evaluation score was 3.8. The good and poor groups were comprised by 53 (85.5%) and 9 (14.5%) patients, respectively. The CT difference value averages were 54.7 and 15.9 for the good and poor groups, respectively, and the value was significantly higher in the good group (p = 0.001). The comparison results with MRCP were sensitivity=83.3%, specificity=78.0%, positive predictive value=47.6%, and negative predictive value=95.1%.

CONCLUSION

Cystic duct 3D-CT using non-contrast CT is a useful technique for understanding anatomical variations of the cystic duct and accessory bile duct. Our method may reduce the number of MRCP sessions performed.

A New Quantitative Classification of the Extrahepatic Biliary Tract Related to Cystic Duct Implantation

BACKGROUND

Knowledge regarding biliary anatomy and its variations, including the cystic duct (CD), is important in the pre-surgical setting and for predicting biliary diseases. However, no large series has focused on CD evaluation using a quantitative analysis. The primary aim of this prospective study was to create a 'taxonomic' classification of CD anatomy in a large cohort of subjects who underwent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). The secondary aim was to evaluate the correlations between extrahepatic bile duct (EHBD) variants and biliary diseases.

METHODS

We enrolled patients who underwent MRCP for different clinical indications from January 2017 to May 2019. Demographical, anatomical and clinical data were evaluated using statistical analyses, as appropriate. The anatomical assessment of EHBD was performed using the standard classification for CD in low, medium, and high insertions, and the lengths of CD to the duodenal papilla (DP), and EHBD was determined to conduct a new quantitative analysis.

RESULTS

The final study population comprised 1004 subjects. A new classification for EHBD as per the percentile distribution of the ratio CDDP/EHBD was designed, and the following categories were obtained: type 1 (below the 25th percentile) for CDDP/EHBD ratio ≤ 50%; type 2 (25th to 75th percentile) for CDDP/EHBD ratio 51-75% and type 3 (above the 75th percentiles) for CDDP/EHBD ratio > 75%. Type 1 of the new classification of CD implantation was significantly superior in terms of the detection of low, medial and intra-pancreatic CD that was significantly correlated with a high risk of choledochal lithiasis in comparison with the standard classification (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The new classification of CD implantation enables identification of the vast majority of intra-pancreatic CDs that are correlated with a high risk of choledochal lithiasis in a single category (type 1) that is easy to identify using imaging.

Impacts on outcomes and management of preoperative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: for whom it should be considered?

Purpose

We evaluated the impact of preoperative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) on patient outcomes, and found which patients should be considered for MRCP before cholecystectomy.

Methods

We performed retrospective analysis of 2,072 patients that underwent cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder disease from January 2014 to June 2017. Patients were grouped as CT only group (n = 737) and MRCP group (n = 1,335), including both CT and MRCP (n = 1,292) or MRCP only (n = 43). The main outcome measure was associated with complications after cholecystectomy, and the secondary outcomes were hospital stay, readmission, and events that could impact patient management due to addition of MRCP.

Results

There were no statistical differences in occurrence of intraoperative or postoperative complications or readmission rate between the 2 groups. Hospital stay was about 0.6 days longer in the MRCP group. However, MRCP group was more susceptible to complications due to underlying patient demographics (older age, higher frequency of diabetes, and higher level of the inflammatory markers). MRCP diagnosed common bile duct (CBD) stones in 6.5% of patients (84/1,292) without CBD stones in CT, and bile duct anomalies were identified in 41 patients (3.2%). Elevated γ-GT was the only independent factor for additional detection of CBD stones (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.89; P = 0.029) and subsequent biliary procedures (adjusted OR, 3.34; P = 0.018) when additional MRCP was performed.

Conclusion

MRCP is valuable for identification of bile duct variation and CBD stones. Preoperative MRCP can be considered, particularly in patients with elevated γ-GT, for proper preoperative management and avoidance of complications.

Effectiveness of near-infrared fluorescent cholangiography in the identification of cystic duct-common hepatic duct anatomy in comparison to magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography: a preliminary study

INTRODUCTION

Bile duct injury represents the most serious complication of LC, with an incidence of 0.3-0.7% resulting in a significant impact on quality-of-life, overall survival, and frequent medico-legal litigations. Near-infrared fluorescent cholangiography (NIRF-C) represents a novel intra-operative imaging technique that allows a real-time enhanced visualization of the extrahepatic biliary tree by fluorescence. The role of routine use of pre-operative magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography (MRCP) to better clarify the biliary anatomy before laparoscopic cholecystectomy is still a matter of debate. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of NIRF-C in the detection of cystic duct-common hepatic duct anatomy intra-operatively in comparison with pre-operative MRCP.

METHODS

Data from 26 consecutive patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis or chronic cholecystitis, who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intra-operative fluorescent cholangiography and pre-operative MRCP examination between January 2018 and May 2018, were analyzed. Three selected features of the cystic duct-common hepatic duct anatomy were identified and analyzed by the two different imaging methods: insertion of cystic duct, cystic duct-common hepatic duct junction, and cystic duct course.

RESULTS

Fluorescent cholangiography was performed successfully in all twenty-six patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The visualization of cystic duct was reported in 23 out of 26 cases, showing an overall diagnostic accuracy of 86.9%. The level of insertion, course, and wall implantation of cystic duct were achieved by NIRF-C with diagnostic accuracy values of 65.2%, 78.3%, and 91.3%, respectively in comparison with MRCP data. No bile duct injuries were reported.

CONCLUSION

Fluorescent cholangiography can be considered a useful imaging diagnostic tool comparable to MRCP for detailed intra-operative visualization of the cystic duct-common hepatic duct anatomy during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies.

A novel classification of aberrant right hepatic ducts ensures a critical view of safety in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Based on the spatial relationship of an aberrant right hepatic duct (ARHD) with the cystic duct and gallbladder neck, we propose a practical classification to evaluate the specific form predisposing to injury in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated the preoperative images (mostly magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) and clinical outcomes of 721 consecutive patients who underwent LC at our institute from 2015 to 2018. We defined the high-risk ARHD as follows: Type A: communicating with the cystic duct and Type B: running along the gallbladder neck or adjacent to the infundibulum (the minimal distance from the ARHD < 5 mm), regardless of the confluence pattern in the biliary tree. Other ARHDs were considered to be of low risk.

RESULTS

A high-risk ARHD was identified in 16 cases (2.2%): four (0.6%) with Type A anatomy and 12 (1.7%) with Type B. The remaining ARHD cases (n = 34, 4.7%) were categorized as low risk. There were no significant differences in the operative outcomes (operative time, blood loss, hospital stay) between the high- and low- risk groups. Subtotal cholecystectomy was applied in four cases (25%) in the high-risk group, a significantly higher percentage than the low-risk group (n = 1, 2.9%). In all patients with high-risk ARHD, LC was completed safely without bile duct injury or conversion to laparotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our simple classification of high-risk ARHD can highlight the variants located close to the dissecting site to achieve a critical view of safety and may contribute to avoiding inadvertent damage of an ARHD in LC.

Successful management of aberrant right hepatic duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a rare case report

Background

Anatomic variants of the biliary tree present challenges to surgical management during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and affect perioperative outcomes. An aberrant right hepatic duct connecting into the cystic duct is a practically important variation because of the susceptibility to serious postoperative refractory bile leakage. We report a successful case of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the aberrant right hepatic duct of a patient diagnosed with chronic cystitis.

Case presentation

A 49-year-old man was referred to our department for treatment of chronic cholecystitis. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography indicated that the cystic duct branched from the common bile duct and an aberrant bile duct connected to the cystic duct. Intraoperative cholangiography revealed that the bile duct was not confluent to the major right branch of the intrahepatic bile duct and drained a narrow area. Preoperative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography had diagnostic value. Furthermore, intraoperative cholangiography with the Critical View of Safety method was paramount to achieving safe cholecystectomy based on confirmation of the biliary anatomy and the drainage area of the aberrant right hepatic duct.

Conclusion

We encountered a rare but clinically significant case of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This case suggests that precise understanding of the anatomy and drainage area of the aberrant right hepatic duct preoperatively and intraoperatively can lead to safe cholecystectomy.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s40792-019-0632-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Laparoendoscopic rendezvous may be an effective alternative to a failed preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with cholecystocholedocholithiasis

Background:

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), remains the standard way of management for patients with cholecystocholedocholithiasis. Laparoendoscopic rendezvous (LERV), a combined procedure for removing the gallbladder laparoscopically and clearing the common bile duct (CBD) endoscopically at the same time, could be an attractive alternative. The aim of this study was to compare LERV with classic ERCP in patients with cholecystocholedocholithiasis.

Methods:

886 patients with cholecystocholedocholithiasis were treated either with the LERV technique (90 patients), or with the 2-stage approach, which includes preoperative ERCP followed by LC (796 patients). The primary endpoint was any difference in the success of CBD cannulation and clearance; secondary endpoints were the detection of differences in morbidity (especially post-ERCP pancreatitis [PEP]), and the feasibility of the two approaches.

Results:

Successful cannulation of the CBD was more frequent with conventional ERCP compared with the LERV technique (89.8% vs. 75.5%, P=0.0001). LERV appears to be as effective as conventional ERCP for complete CBD clearance (85.5% vs. 82.8%, P<0.1). None of the patients in the LERV group had an episode of clinical PEP, whereas in the conventional ERCP group there were 23 episodes of PEP and one death. The median amylase level was higher in patients undergoing conventional ERCP group compared to patients in LERV group.

Conclusion:

Classic ERCP has a higher rate of successful CBD cannulation and a similar rate of CBD clearance compared to LERV.

Inpatient magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography: does it increase the efficiency in emergency hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery services?

INTRODUCTION Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is commonly used to evaluate the biliary tree, although indications for patients who require inpatient imaging are not fully defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate inpatient MRCP performed on surgical patients and to devise a treatment pathway for these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS All adult inpatient MRCP examinations between January 2012 and December 2013 were reviewed. Demographic, clinical and radiological data were collated. RESULTS During the study period, 271 inpatient MRCP were requested, of which 234 examinations were included. The majority of patients were female (n=140) and the median age was 63 years (range 16-93 years). Surgical admissions accounted for 171 (73%) of cases. Indications for inpatient MRCP include gallstone-related complications (n=173; 74%), malignant process (n=17; 7%) and other indications (n=44; 19%). Overall, inpatient MRCP led to further inpatient interventions in 22% (gallstone group, n=32, 18%; patients with malignancy, n=8, 47%; other indications, n=12, 27%). The median duration of inpatient MRCP from request to examination was 2 days (range 0-15 days) and median reporting after examination was 1 day (range 0-14 days). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Improved access and timely reporting of iMRCP may reduce length of hospital stay. Inpatient MRCP also led to further inpatient interventions, in particular, in patients with malignancy.

Intrahepatic biliary duct branching patterns, cystic duct anomalies, and pancreas divisum in a tertiary referral center: A magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticographic study

BACKGROUND

Knowledge about anatomic variations in intrahepatic biliary ducts (IHBD) is relevant for performing biliary drainage and for avoiding bile duct injury during cholecystectomy and liver resections. Low insertion of cystic duct (LICD) is a common anatomic variant. Pancreas divisum is the commonest congenital anomaly of pancreas; it has been causally linked with recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP).

METHODS

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography (MRCP) images of 500 consecutive patients were reviewed for anatomic variants of IHBD, cystic duct, and pancreatic duct.

RESULTS

Anatomy of IHBD could be evaluated in 458 MRCP's, of these 301 (65.72 %) had 'typical' anatomy. The variant in 157 persons included 'triple confluence' in 56 (12.23 %), 'right posterior segmental duct (RPSD) draining to left hepatic duct (LHD)' in 64 (14 %), 'RPSD to common hepatic duct (CHD)' in 20 (4.4 %), 'RPSD to cystic duct' in 2 (0.4 %), 'accessory duct to CHD' in 3 (0.7 %), 'accessory duct to right hepatic duct (RHD)' in 1 (0.2 %), 'segment 2 and 3 separately to CHD' in 1 (0.2 %), and complex variants in 10 (2.2 %). Cystic duct could be evaluated in 338 patients; of these, 15 (4.4 %) had LICD. Patients with RAP had pancreas divisum more often than those without any pancreatic disease, (-/-,10 % and -/-, 0.8 %; p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly one third of MRCPs showed atypical IHBD pattern with RPSD draining to LHD being the commonest. LICD was the most common cystic duct variant. Pancreas divisum was more frequent in patients with RAP than in persons without pancreatic disease.

Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy without intraoperative cholangiography: role of preoperative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography - a retrospective cohort study

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the standard treatment for gallbladder diseases. Intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) can reduce biliary complications of LC; however, with the emergence of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), IOC nowadays is faced with unprecedented challenge. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether preoperative MRCP can safely replace IOC during elective LC in terms of retained common bile duct (CBD) stones and bile duct injury (BDI).

Methods

A retrospective study on candidates for elective LC who underwent IOC or preoperative MRCP between January 2009 and December 2014 was conducted.

Results

In the IOC group, 1972 patients underwent LC and 213 required IOC. In the MRCP group, 2268 patients underwent LC and 257 required MRCP. In the IOC group, the rate of retained CBD stones was 0.45 % without IOC and 1.41 % with IOC. In five of 157 patients who underwent IOC, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or laparoscopic CBD exploration showed no evidence of CBD stones. In the MRCP group, the rate of retained CBD stones was 0.45 % without MRCP. No patients with normal MRCP findings returned with symptomatic CBD stones during 1-year follow-up. The rate of BDIs was 0.20 % in the IOC group and 0.13 % in the MRCP group.

Conclusions

Selective use of preoperative MRCP is an effective and safe strategy when conducting elective LC to treat gallstones. LC resorting to preoperative MRCP can be performed safely without IOC, with an acceptable rate of retained CBD stones and BDIs.

Anatomical Variations of Cystic Ducts in Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography and Clinical Implications

Background. Anatomical variations of cystic duct (CD) are frequently unrecognized. It is important to be aware of these variations prior to any surgical, percutaneous, or endoscopic intervention procedures. Objectives. The purpose of our study was to demonstrate the imaging features of CD and its variants using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and document their prevalence in our population. Materials and Methods. This study included 198 patients who underwent MRCP due to different indications. Images were evaluated in picture archiving communication system (PACS) and variations of CD were documented. Results. Normal lateral insertion of CD at middle third of common hepatic duct was seen in 51% of cases. Medial insertion was seen in 16% of cases, of which 4% were low medial insertions. Low insertion of CD was noted in 9% of cases. Parallel course of CD was present in 7.5% of cases. High insertion was noted in 6% and short CD in 1% of cases. In 1 case, CD was draining into right hepatic duct. Congenital cystic dilation of CD was noted in one case with evidence of type IV choledochal cyst. Conclusion. Cystic duct variations are common and MRCP is an optimal imaging modality for demonstration of cystic duct anatomy.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of endoscopic ultrasound versus magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in patients with suspected common bile duct stones

BACKGROUND

Patients with suspected common bile duct (CBD) stones are often diagnosed using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), an invasive procedure with risk of significant complications. Using endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or Magnetic Resonance CholangioPancreatography (MRCP) first to detect CBD stones can reduce the risk of unnecessary procedures, cut complications and may save costs.

AIM

This study sought to compare the cost-effectiveness of initial EUS or MRCP in patients with suspected CBD stones.

METHODS

This study is a model based cost-utility analysis estimating mean costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) per patient from the perspective of the UK National Health Service (NHS) over a 1 year time horizon. A decision tree model was constructed and populated with probabilities, outcomes and cost data from published sources, including one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS

Using MRCP to select patients for ERCP was less costly than using EUS to select patients or proceeding directly to ERCP ($1299 versus $1753 and $1781, respectively), with similar QALYs accruing to each option (0.998, 0.998 and 0.997 for EUS, MRCP and direct ERCP, respectively). Initial MRCP was the most cost-effective option with the highest monetary net benefit, and this result was not sensitive to model parameters. MRCP had a 61% probability of being cost-effective at $29,000, the maximum willingness to pay for a QALY commonly used in the UK.

CONCLUSION

From the perspective of the UK NHS, MRCP was the most cost-effective test in the diagnosis of CBD stones.

Surgery for common bile duct stones--a lost surgical skill; still worthwhile in the minimally invasive century?

PURPOSE

Techniques of laparoscopic bile duct exploration have been reported for over 20 years. Despite the simplicity and success of these procedures, they have failed to become commonplace in most surgical departments, as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has become the preferred method for dealing with bile duct stones. There is a risk of surgeons not obtaining or losing these skills, which may still be required as a definitive treatment when ERCP fails or is not available.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This paper describes these laparoscopic operations, which can be performed to enable a 'one-stop shop' treatment of common bile duct stones (CBDS) at the time of cholecystectomy. In particular, transcystic basket clearance of the bile duct is possible in two-thirds of cases with very little increase in morbidity compared to routine cholecystectomy. The selection of patients who are most likely to be successfully treated with this technique is defined. Some of the authors have published large study series and prospective randomised trials, further refining the choices available to the surgeon who, when performing operative cholangiography, is already halfway to bile duct exploration.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery may reclaim this lost ground by offering an excellent and safe therapeutic option for many of the symptomatic CBDS.

Diagnostic value of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography for secondary common bile duct stones compared with laparoscopic trans-cystic common bile duct exploration

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in preoperative patients with secondary common bile duct stones during the application of laparoscopic trans-cystic common bile duct exploration (LTCBDE).

Material/Methods

The clinical records of 255 patients were retrospectively analyzed. All patients included in the study were examined by MRCP 3 days prior to LTCBDE.

Results

Secondary bile duct stones were detected in 220 patients using LTCBDE. Of the patients diagnosed by MRCP, 141 were true-positive, 28 were true-negative, 7 were false-positive and 79 were false-negative. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of MRCP for secondary common bile duct stones were 64.09%, 80.00%, 66.27%, 95.27%, and 26.17%, respectively. When the cases with muddy stones were excluded, the outcomes were 80.41%, 79.41%, 69.23%, 94.44%, and 48.21%, respectively. When cases with stones <3 mm (inclusive) in diameter were excluded, the outcomes were 93.75%, 79.41%, 86.27%, 93.75%, and 65.85%, respectively. When cases with stones <5 mm (inclusive) in diameter were excluded, the outcomes were 93.10%, 79.41%, 89.26%, 92.05%, and 81.82%, respectively.

Conclusions

The effectiveness of preoperative MRCP is overestimated for the diagnosis of secondary common bile duct stones, particularly for muddy and micro-stones.

Gallbladder bed pocket score as a preoperative measure for assessing the difficulty of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (Lap-C) is a standard surgery for symptomatic gallbladder stones and acute or chronic cholecystitis. Resident surgeons often perform this operation early in their training, but they sometimes encounter difficulties for various technical reasons. Although encountering a gallbladder buried deep within the gallbladder bed is a common operative difficulty, literature on the subject scarcely exists.

METHODS

Forty-two patients underwent Lap-C at our hospitals and were analyzed retrospectively. We defined the gallbladder bed pocket score (GBPS) as the maximum ratio between the height and width of the gallbladder bed measured based on multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) images. GBPS and clinical factors were assessed in terms of their correlation with the time required for gallbladder dissection from the gallbladder bed.

RESULTS

Of the 42 patients, 20 had histories of acute or chronic cholecystitis. The mean gallbladder dissection time was 14.9 min, and the mean GBPS was 0.43 in the coronal MDCT section and 0.56 in the sagittal section. The correlation coefficient between the GBPS and gallbladder dissection time was 0.40 (P = 0.01) in the coronal section and 0.38 (P = 0.02) in the sagittal section of the MDCT images. There was no statistically significant correlation between gallbladder dissection time and the surgeon's experience, patient's history of cholecystitis, gallstone size, or blood loss. However, GBPS > 0.4 predicted more difficult and prolonged dissection.

CONCLUSION

GBPS is a useful tool for preoperatively predicting the time needed to dissect the gallbladder from the gallbladder bed during Lap-C. Cases with GBPS < 0.4 seem more suitable for resident surgeons who are performing gallbladder dissection early in their Lap-C training.

Preoperative evaluation of the cystic duct for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: comparison of navigator-gated prospective acquisition correction- and conventional respiratory-triggered techniques at free-breathing 3D MR cholangiopancreatography

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the quality of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) images obtained with a three-dimensional navigator-gated (NG) technique and compare findings with conventional respiratory-triggered (RT) images in pre-laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients.

METHODS

Turbo-spin-echo (TSE) RT-MRCP (average 242 s) and balanced turbo-field-echo (bTFE) NG-MRCP (average 263 s) were acquired at 1.5-T MRI for 49 pre-laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients. Two radiologists independently assessed image quality, visibility of anatomical structures, common bile duct (CBD) stones, and signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). Interobserver agreement was also evaluated.

RESULTS

The anatomical details of the cystic duct were clearly demonstrated in 33 (67.3 %, reader A) and 35 (71.4 %, reader B) patients on RT-MRCP, and in 45 (91.8 %) and 44 (89.7 %) patients on NG-MRCP. On NG-MRCP, visualisation of the cystic duct (3.22/3.12), its origin (3.57/3.55), and the gallbladder(3.61/3.59) was statistically better than on RT-MRCP (2.90/2.78, 3.29/3.12, 2.98/2.88, respectively). The overall image quality was statistically better on NG-MRCP than RT-MRCP. Each technique identified the presence of CBD stones in all affected patients. The SNR was significantly higher on NG-MRCP (CHD 22.40, gallbladder 17.13) than RT-MRCP (CHD 17.05, gallbladder 9.30). Interobserver agreement was fair to perfect.

CONCLUSION

Navigator-gated MRCP is more useful than respiratory-triggered MRCP for evaluating the gallbladder and cystic duct in patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

KEY POINTS

• Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) provides important cystic duct information before laparoscopic cholecystectomy. • Navigator-gated (NG) MRCP images were better than conventional respiratory-triggered (RT) MRCP. • The signal-to-noise ratio was significantly higher for NG-MRCP than for conventional RT-MRCP. • Balanced turbo-field-echo NG-MRCP is useful for evaluating the gallbladder and cystic duct.

Intra-operative vs pre-operative endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with gallbladder and common bile duct stones: cost-utility and value-of-information analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients with gallbladder and common bile duct stones are generally treated by pre-operative endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (POES). Recently, a meta-analysis has shown that intra-operative ES during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (IOES) results in fewer complications than POES, with similar efficacy. The cost effectiveness of IOES versus POES is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare the cost effectiveness of IOES versus POES from the UK NHS perspective.

METHODS

A decision-tree model estimating and comparing costs to the UK NHS and QALYs gained following a policy of either IOES or POES was developed with a time horizon of 3 years. Uncertainty was investigated with probabilistic sensitivity analysis, and the expected value of perfect information (EVPI) and partial information (EVPPI) were also calculated.

RESULTS

IOES was less costly than POES (approximately -£623 per patient [year 2008 values]) and resulted in similar quality of life (+0.008 QALYs per patient) as POES. Given a willingness-to-pay threshold of £20 000 per QALY gained, there was a 92.9% probability that IOES is cost effective compared with POES. Full implementation of IOES could save the NHS £2.8 million per annum. At a willingness to pay of £20 000 per QALY gained, the 10-year population EVPI was estimated at £0.6 million.

CONCLUSIONS

IOES appears to be cost effective compared with POES.

Congenital anomaly of low insertion of cystic duct: endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography findings and clinical significance

BACKGROUND/AIM

Low insertion of cystic duct (LICD) may be problematic during cholecystectomy. This study was performed retrospectively to assess the prevalence of LICD and identify the risk factors of stone recurrence between LICD and non-LICD (NLICD) after removal of stones.

METHODS

Between January 1999 and November 2005, 3546 patients received endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography examination for suspicion of biliary tract diseases. The age and sex-matched group with NLICD was enrolled to compare the clinical differences with LICD group. LICD was defined as "the orifice level of the cystic duct being below the low third of the extrahepatic duct." Recurrence was defined as "patients suffering from cholangitis or biliary stones 1 year later after the first intervention."

RESULTS

Of the enrolled 3546 patients (male/female=1821/1725), 191 (5.4%) had LICD. Excluding cases of malignancy, nonbiliary stones, and incomplete data, 122 LICD patients were available. Periampullary diverticula and positive bacterial culture from bile were less common in the LICD group than the NLICD group (P=0.045; P<0.001, respectively). Lower recurrent rate of common bile duct (CBD) stones in the recurrent cases were found in the LICD group compared with the NLICD group (P=0.024; P=0.039, respectively). Univariate analysis revealed that LICD [odds ratio (OR)=0.284; P=0.032] and CBD stones (OR=4.496; P=0.006) were significantly correlated to stone recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study clearly demonstrated the prevalence (5.4%) of LICD in cases with suspicion of biliary tract disease based on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Notably, the strongest predictors, NLICD and CBD stones, appeared to result in the higher stone recurrence.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of intraoperative versus preoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with gallbladder and suspected common bile duct stones

BACKGROUND

Most patients with gallbladder and common bile duct stones are treated by preoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy (POES) followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Recently, intraoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy (IOES) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been suggested as an alternative treatment.

METHODS

Data from randomized clinical trials related to safety and effectiveness of IOES versus POES were extracted by two independent reviewers. Risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences were calculated with 95 per cent confidence intervals based on intention-to-treat analysis whenever possible.

RESULTS

Four trials with 532 patients comparing IOES with POES were included. There were no deaths. There was no significant difference in rates of ampullary cannulation (RR 1·01, 0·97 to 1·04; P = 0·70) or stone clearance by ES (RR 0·99, 0·96 to 1·02; P = 0·58) between the groups. The proportion of patients with at least one post-ES complication, including pancreatitis, bleeding, perforation, cholangitis, cholecystitis or gastric ulcer, was significantly lower in the IOES group (RR 0·37, 0·18 to 0·78; P = 0·009). There was no significant difference in morbidity after laparoscopic cholecystectomy or requirement for open operation between the groups. Mean hospital stay was 3 days shorter in the IOES group: mean difference - 2·83 (-3·66 to - 2·00) days (P < 0·001).

CONCLUSION

In patients with gallbladder and common bile duct stones, IOES is as effective and safe as POES and results in a significantly shorter hospital stay.

ENBD tube placement prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy may reduce the rate of complications in cases with predictably complicating biliary anomalies

BACKGROUND

The risk factors predisposing to bile duct injury or postoperative bile leakage associated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) include the presence of an accessory hepatic duct, the anomalous cystic duct confluence, and duct of Luschka. One method to prevent bile duct injury is preoperative placement of an endoscopic nasobiliary drainage tube (ENBD assisted LC). The aims of this investigation are first, to report the incidence of bile duct anomalies according to the classification system proposed by Wakayama Medical University and second, to evaluate the efficacy of ENBD assisted LC with regard to prevention of intraoperative bile duct injury and postoperative bile duct injury or leakage.

METHODS

A total of 1,835 consecutive LCs performed at our institution during a recent 10-year period were reviewed.

RESULTS

Anomalous cystic duct confluence was detected in 11 cases and an accessory hepatic duct was detected in 37 cases. These anomalies were risk factors for bile duct injury in our series. However, there was no significant difference in the length of surgery, conversion rate to laparotomy, or frequency of bile duct injury or leakage between the standard LC group and ENBD assisted LC group.

CONCLUSION

A bile duct anomaly was seen in 2.6% of LC cases. Placement of an ENBD tube prior to LC in predictably complicating bile duct anomalies may have successfully decreased the incidence of complications.

The value of pre-operative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in management of patients with gall stones

OBJECTIVE

To analyze influence of pre-operative MRCP on the management of patients with gall stones.

PATIENTS & METHODS

This prospective randomized study was carried on 250 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy within 3 years. In group I, pre-operative MRCP was performed in 125 patients with age range of 18-62 years. Group II included 125 patients managed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy without doing pre-operative MRCP with age range of 21-65 years.

RESULTS

In group I; pre-operative MRCP screening revealed clinically silent CBD stones in 5 patients (4%), accessory cystic duct in 2 (1.6%), abnormal insertion of cystic duct in 1 (0.8%). Postoperatively, bile duct injury was inflected in 1 patient in group I. On the other hand, there were 2 patients with bile duct injury and 5 patients with residual stones in group II. There was a statistically significant increase of post-operative complications in group II (p <or= 0.5).

CONCLUSIONS

MRCP is diagnostically useful in management of patients with gall stones prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy and its routine use can reduce the incidence of post-operative complications.

Laparoendoscopic rendezvous: an effective alternative to a failed preoperative ERCP in patients with cholecystocholedocholithiasis

BACKGROUND

Although the ideal management of cholelithiasis and concomitant choledocholithiasis is controversial, the two-stage approach [endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), sphincterotomy, and common bile duct (CBD) clearance followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy] is the most popular treatment regimen worldwide. However, sometimes ERCP fails to solve the problem of choledocholithiasis preoperatively. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of intraoperative ERCP using the laparoendoscopic "rendezvous" technique in patients in whom preoperative ERCP has failed or was not possible to attempt.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients (13 female, nine male), in whom ERCP failed or was not possible to be performed as a separate procedure before laparoscopic cholecystectomy, were treated with the one-stage approach of intraoperative ERCP during laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the so-called laparoendoscopic "rendezvous" technique.

RESULTS

The one-stage approach was completed successfully in a median time of 110 min (range = 75-160 min) in 21 cases; however, in two cases the wire introduced via the cystic duct could not be advanced through Vater's ampulla into the duodenum and the CBD was cannulated from the endoscopic route, in the usual way. There was no mortality or morbidity and most patients were discharged within 48 h after the procedure.

CONCLUSION

The laparoendoscopic "rendezvous" is a valuable alternative in treating patients with cholecystocholedocholithiasis. It appears to be a reliable method when preoperative ERCP fails to clear the CBD, while it also offers a one-stage solution to the problem.

The "inside approach of the gallbladder" is an alternative to the classic Calot's triangle dissection for a safe operation in severe cholecystitis

BACKGROUND

External dissection of Calot's triangle and the gallbladder associated with complete cholecystectomy is considered the gold standard technique to achieve a safe cholecystectomy. However, in severe acute or chronic cholecystitis, the laparoscopic application of this standard technique may be technically difficult, with an increased risk of bile duct injury, even in the hands of an experienced surgeon.

METHODS

In a consecutive series of 552 cholecystectomies, 39 patients (7.1%) with difficult local conditions within Calot's triangle, such as gangrenous cholecystitis (three patients), severe scleroatrophic cholecystitis with or without anomalous right hepatic duct (24 and 10 patients, respectively), or Mirizzi syndrome (seven patients), underwent a routine exclusive "endovesicular approach" as an alternative to dissection of Calot's triangle prior to further subtotal cholecystectomy. All patients were examined by control cholangiography 3 months postoperatively to confirm the safety of the technique.

RESULTS

The operation was well tolerated by all patients with only 15.4% minor complications. Intraoperative cholangiography was feasible in 79.5%. There were no postoperative biliary or infectious complications. At 4.3 months follow-up, all patients were symptom-free, except for two patients (5.1%) with residual common bile duct stones which were successfully treated by endoscopic sphincterotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

An endovesicular approach for gallbladder dissection followed by subtotal cholecystectomy is a safe alternative to the classic Calot's dissection in the case of severe cholecystitis or difficult local conditions. This technique is recommended as an attractive solution to prevent bile duct injury, particularly when severe inflammation is associated to extrahepatic anatomic variants of the biliary tree.

Evaluation of the biliary and pancreatic system with 2D SSFSE, breathhold 3D FRFSE and respiratory-triggered 3D FRFSE sequences

PURPOSE

The authors compared biliary and pancreatic imaging obtained through 2D single-shot fast spin-echo (SSFSE), breath-hold 3D fast recovery fast spin-echo (FRFSE) and respiratory-triggered 3D FRFSE sequences.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 106 magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) examinations performed between December 2007 and September 2008 were evaluated with a comparison of 2D SSFSE (thin section and thick slab), breath-hold 3D FRFSE and respiratory-triggered 3D FRFSE sequences. The biliary tract was divided into seven segments: right hepatic duct, left hepatic duct, common hepatic duct, cystic duct, common bile duct, cystic duct junction and biliary-pancreatic confluence. The main pancreatic duct was divided into three segments (head, body and tail). Visualisation of biliary variants was also compared. Two blinded radiologists evaluated segment visibility using a quantitative scale. The Student's t test for paired samples was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Compared with 2D SSFSE, respiratory-triggered 3D FRFSE sequences showed better visibility of the right hepatic duct (p=0.0277), the cystic duct (p=0.0081), the cystic duct junction (p=0.0010), the biliary-pancreatic confluence (p=0.0334) and biliary variants (p=0.0198). In the comparison between breath-hold 3D FRFSE and 2D SSFSE, a significant statistical difference was found in visualisation of the cystic duct (p=0.027), the cystic duct junction (p=0.020), the biliary-pancreatic confluence (p=0.0338) and biliary variants (p=0.0311).

CONCLUSIONS

Three-dimensional FRFSE offers a significant benefit over conventional 2D imaging.

Biliary anatomy on 3D MRCP: Comparison of volume-rendering and maximum-intensity-projection algorithms

PURPOSE

To compare volume-rendering (VR) and maximum-intensity-projection (MIP) of three-dimensional T2-weighted turbo spin-echo magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography using a free-breathing navigator-triggered prospective acquisition correction (3D-TSE-PACE-MRCP) to define biliary anatomies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

VR and MIP images of 3D-TSE-PACE-MRCP for 102 patients were retrospectively evaluated. Interpretation of cystic duct variation and biliary branching patterns of each image were recorded independently by two radiologists in a blinded fashion. Interpretation confidence on a five-point scale was compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The McNemar test was used to compare the accuracies of each reformation with the reference standard obtained by consensus interpretation of both the images and source images.

RESULTS

The reference standard identified all biliary bifurcations and 95 of 102 cystic duct confluences (93.1%). VR findings agreed with the reference standard findings more often than MIP with regard to cystic duct variation (94 [92.2%] vs. 76 [74.5%], P<0.01) while there was no significant difference for biliary branching patterns (99 [97.1%] vs. 92 [90.2%], P=0.092). The mean confidence score was significantly higher with VR than MIP with regard to both cystic duct variation and biliary branching patterns (3.7 vs. 2.4; P<0.01; 4.1 vs. 3.3; P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

VR reformation of 3D-TSE-PACE-MRCP defines biliary anatomies more accurately than MIP.

Is routine MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) justified prior to cholecystectomy?

PURPOSE

We investigated routinely the bile ducts by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography (MRCP) prior to cholecystectomy. The aim of this study was to analyze the rate of clinically inapparent common bile duct (CBD) stones, the predictive value of elevated liver enzymes for CBD stones, and the influence of the radiological results on the perioperative management.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 465 patients were cholecystectomized within 18 months, mainly laparoscopically. Preoperative MRCP was performed in 454 patients.

RESULTS

With MRCP screening, clinically silent CBD stones were found in 4%. Elevated liver enzymes have only a poor predictive value for the presence of CBD stones (positive predictive value, 21%; negative predictive value, 96%). Compared to the recent literature, the postoperative morbidity in this study was low (0 bile duct injury, 0.4% residual gallstones).

CONCLUSIONS

Although MRCP is diagnostically useful in the perioperative management in some cases, its routine use in the DRG-era may not be justified due to the costs.

Long, parallel cystic duct in laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: the role of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography

Congenital malformation of the gallbladder and cystic duct that cause operative difficulty are rare developmental abnormalities of embryogenesis. We report the case of a 47-year-old male patient who presented with right upper quadrant pain, tenderness, mild jaundice, moderately elevated liver function tests, and ultrasound evidence of acute calculus cholecystitis. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) excluded choledocholithiasis, but revealed the cystic duct anomaly. A difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed successfully. This is an unusual case of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for severe acute calculus cholecystitis in a patient with very low conjunction to the common bile duct (CBD) of a long, parallel cystic duct.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Without Intraoperative Cholangiography

BACKGROUND

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LCs) performed in our Academic Surgical Unit, and the impact of our policy not to perform intraoperative cholangiograms (IOCs) on the incidence of bile duct injuries (BDIs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data was collected for the time period from 1992 (when the laparoscopic procedure was first introduced in our Unit) until 2005. During this time, 1851 patients underwent an LC. Patients with a history of jaundice, ultasonographic bile duct dilatation, bile duct stones, or deranged liver function tests were referred initially for an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedure. An IOC was not performed on any patient.

RESULTS

The conversion rate was 23.9% among the patients with acute cholecystitis and 1.6% among the patients with a noninflamed gallbladder. This difference was statistically significant. The morbidity reached 1.1%, as minor or major complications were present in 22 of 1851 patients. Complications consisted of BDI in 7 patients (0.37%). Six patients presented with minor BDI. Two of the BDIs occurred among the group of patients with acute cholecystitis, whereas the remaining 5 occurred in the group of patients with a noninflamed gallbladder. This distribution was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The low BDI rate in our series allowed us to recommend an LC procedure without an IOC. Performing a cholangiogram either routinely or selectively is not wrong. However, adherence to a meticulous hemostatic technique, thorough knowledge of the anatomy, and a low threshold for conversion may also enable satisfactory results to be achieved.

Preoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy versus laparoendoscopic rendezvous in patients with gallbladder and bile duct stones

OBJECTIVE

To compare success rate, length of hospital stay, clinical results, and costs of sequential treatment (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy) versus the laparoendoscopic Rendezvous in patients with cholecysto-choledocholithiasis.

BACKGROUND

The ideal management of common bile duct (CBD) stones in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) remains controversial.

METHODS

A total of 91 elective patients with cholelithiasis and CBD stones diagnosed at magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) were included in a prospective, randomized trial. The patients were randomized in 2 groups. Group I patients (45 cases) underwent a preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) followed by LC in the same hospital admission. Group II patients (46 cases) underwent LC associated with intraoperative ERCP and ES according to the rendezvous technique.

RESULTS

The rate of CBD clearance was 80% for Group I and 95.6% for Group II (P = 0.06). The morbidity rate was 8.8% in Group I and 6.5% in Group II (P = not significant). No deaths occurred in either group. Hospital stay was shorter in Group II than in Group I: 4.3 days versus 8.0 days (P < 0.0001). There was a significant reduction in mean total cost for group II patients versus group I patients: 2829 euro versus 3834 euro (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

When compared with preoperative ERCP with ES followed by LC, the laparoendoscopic rendezvous technique allows a higher rate of CBD stones clearance, a shorter hospital stay, and a reduction in costs.

[Utility of magnetic resonance cholangiography prior to cholecystectomy in acute biliary pancreatitis]

AIM

To analyze the role of magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) in candidates for cholecystectomy after acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP).

METHODS

We performed a prospective study of patients with mild ABP (Atlanta criteria) admitted to our hospital from January 2004 to March 2005. Diagnosis of ABP was based on clinical features, serum amylase levels more than 3 times higher than the upper level of normality, and gallstones detected by ultrasonography. In all patients, MRC was performed preoperatively. If positive for common bile duct stones (CBDS), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) was performed, followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). When MRC was negative, LC was performed directly. Intraoperative cholangiography was not routinely performed .

RESULTS

Of the 31 patients admitted, 27 were included (mean age 66.4 +/- 18 years, 78% female). Four patients were excluded: 2 refused to undergo cholecystectomy and two had severe ABP. The mean interval between onset of ABP and cholecystectomy was 1.7 months +/- 1.2. Three patients (11.1%) experienced recurrence within 4 weeks of the index admission. MRC revealed CBDS in four patients (14.8%). In 3 patients, all the gallstones were removed by ERCP and ES. In one patient, 12 gallstones were retrieved but attempts to remove a stone from the cystic duct were unsuccessful. One patient with preoperative CBDS was readmitted 4 weeks after cholecystectomy due to recurrence. Another patient with negative findings on preoperative MRC was also readmitted with postcholecystectomy ABP. Twenty-five of the 27 patients (93%) have remained asymptomatic after cholecystectomy (median follow-up: 16 months [8-22 months]).

CONCLUSIONS

MRC should not be routinely used in the preoperative evaluation of patients with ABP but is an accurate tool in selected patients with this disease.

Low conjunction of the cystic duct with the common bile duct: does it correlate with the formation of common bile duct stones?

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) in detecting variants of low cystic duct conjunction, which can be a source of confusion during surgery when unrecognized.

METHODS

All cases with both MRC and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) indicating suspected common bile duct stones between January 1999 and January 2004 were retrospectively reviewed by investigators blinded to the final diagnosis. Assessment with ERC was regarded as the gold standard. The aim was to find a low conjunction of the cystic duct with the bile duct. The sensitivity and specificity of MRC were calculated in comparison with those for ERC. The cystic junction radial orientation was defined as lateral (insertion diagonally from the right), medial (insertion into the left side of the common hepatic duct), or posteroanterior (overlap of the junction with the bile duct in the posteroanterior view). A spiral cystic duct and a long parallel course were evaluated separately.

RESULTS

Low insertion of the cystic duct was found on ERC in 66 of 622 patients (11%; 28 men and 38 women; mean age, 64.5 years). The sensitivity and specificity of MRC for detecting low cystic entrance were 100% (90.4% on an intention-to-diagnose basis and 100%, respectively). In 11 patients (16.6%), the radial orientation of the cysticohepatic junction could not be defined with MRC. The rate of correct MRC delineation was 95% for lateral (n = 21), 77% for medial (n = 26), and 74% for posteroanterior (n = 19) insertion of the cystic duct.

CONCLUSION

The findings showed that MRC has good correlation with ERC with regard to the location and anatomic details of cystic duct insertion. Although this does not generate a separate indication for MRC before laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the anatomic information can be of additional use when MRC is clinically indicated in this setting.